Mees (right) and Sebastian (left) are Metrics Fund alumni who joined in 2014 and 2015, respectively. After being with Metrics Fund for a few years, they both moved to London to work in Finance, and have now been flatmates for two years. We asked them a few questions about their time at Metrics Fund.
What made you choose Metrics Fund back in the day - in what way is Metrics distinctive from other investment groups in your eyes?
Mees:
Metrics Fund had just made its debut when I joined B&R Beurs, so it was still a relatively unknown investment group. After brief conversations with some members, I quickly learnt that the founders were motivated (econometrics) students with the same ultimate objectives as me: working in the world of finance in London. During the first introduction drinks and dinners (traditionally at O’Pazzo), I recognised that Metrics Fund provides ambitious students with a vast amount of incredible opportunities amongst which is the chance to access the knowledge of an extensive network of alumni in the finance industry. It is exactly this connection that one builds with the finance community that sets this society apart: not only can one expand his/her (future) professional competency, but one can also learn through the experience of others.
Sebastian:
I recognise a lot of what Mees describes here and my reasons for joining at the time were very similar. I would also add that I believe Metrics has always had a very serious approach to investing with an emphasis on proper analyses and debate. Hence, the meetings where proposals are discussed are decoupled from the social gatherings / drinks, which ensures a proper discussion when it comes to investing, but also leaves enough time to have fun without having to compromise. As Mees mentioned, the alumni network is immensely valuable and I truly believe Metrics Fund is second to none amongst the B&R groups in terms of connecting its members to alumni working in the field.
If you could give current B&R members with the ambition to work in finance a piece of advice what would it be?
Mees:
There are so many pieces of advice that I could give and I am looking forward to discussing those with you over a drink during the next London Trip, but for now I shall limit myself into breaking it down in two parts. Firstly, be humble & hungry. Finance is an incredibly competitive industry filled with high performers: do not be afraid to ask questions. Impressing with a deep understanding of finance and the industry will get you a long way, but not all the way. Finance is also an industry that requires interpersonal skills, and I’ve seen many overconfident interns / analysts embarrass themselves in front of seniors, who tend to be correct most of the times anyways. Building relationships is important, as you can never know what life may throw at you one day. That brings me onto my second part: try to do some extracurricular activities in addition to your studies. Learning how to work in a team and being part of a team turned out to be way more important than I could have ever imagined. It will probably be fun too!
Sebastian:
In addition to the above, make sure you set aside enough time to have fun during your studies. Consider going on exchange or taking time off to travel extensively when we enter the post COVID era. Next to this being tremendously beneficial for developing your character, it will help whilst finding a job as well. Ultimately there are a lot of qualified people that can crunch the numbers and people would rather surround themselves with co-workers that are fun to be around and have interesting stories to tell.
Next to Metrics what kind of activities did you partake in during your studies, both at B&R Beurs as well as outside of B&R?
Mees:
Various activities have kept me busy during my student life; from part-time jobs as exam trainer to being a teaching assistant, to committees at B&R Beurs. I was also delighted and honoured in being part of the first Editorial Committee, as well as being the first Commissioner of Education & Career on the board of B&R Beurs – something that I would absolutely recommend to anyone.
Sebastian:
Next to Metrics, I have been a member of the Rotterdamsch Studenten Corps, which was a lot of fun. Some more serious activities included being involved in committees at Faector (econometrics study association) and FSR (financial study association). At B&R I chaired the Investment Week & Symposium committee. I also built websites on the side which generated a bit of extra money to pay for beers.
What is your favourite memory from your time at Metrics Fund?
Mees:
That would probably be our second London Trip. We saw the many alumni that had already left for London, went to a few nice cocktail bars and clubs. On Sunday, we planned to do some sightseeing in London after lunch in Hyde Park. Sebastian, being a real integrated Brit, made us a jug of Pimms. The sun was shining and we never left Hyde Park until dinner. In addition, we scheduled a visit to a reasonably large macro hedge fund. Although it was a very warm bank holiday, we still put on our suit & tie. The hedge fund manager, however, showed up wearing a casual shirt, a pair of shorts and sunglasses. He took us to the rooftop of their Mayfair office and told us some incredible stories about his hedge fund.
Sebastian:
The London trip is clearly the highlight of the year at Metrics Fund and always a great combination of some serious activities and good fun. In addition to the activities whilst at Metrics Fund, we recently organised an alumni only event (pre-COVID). We had arranged a dining room with balcony on the 34th floor overlooking the skyline of London, whilst a multi-course dinner was cooked up by a private chef exclusively for us. Next to the delicious food it was great to see everyone again, and testament to the fact that the bond between members is still strong even after leaving Rotterdam.
Next to the fun times at Metrics, we suspect you have also learned a lot. What kind of impact has Metrics Fund had on your career?
Mees:
This goes back to what I mentioned in my earlier answer: you learn a great deal from older, more experienced members about investing, while also building a network of similar minded people. I found that I had an advantage at the beginning of my career due to B&R Beurs’ academies, investment proposals, and general discussions during our investment meetings. The advantage of being surrounded by similar people is that (a bit) further in their career you will be able to ask for career advice and discover through them what type of work you may find interesting. This works both ways; I advise and support younger Metrics Fund members while continuing to explore my possible career options with the assistance of older members.
Sebastian:
Adding to the above, there have actually been quite a number of interview situations where I have successfully been able to leverage investments that we made with Metrics in the past. When applying for jobs in finance / investing, it helps a lot to be able to legitimise your motivation and willingness by demonstrating you have invested before in a rigorous and thoughtful manner. As Mees mentioned already, the alumni network continues to be helpful even in later stages of your career.